The diagram below shows two flasks of water, one with hot water and the other with room temperature water, which are connected by a conductive metal bar.

Question

Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.

Thermal energy flows from the flask on the right to the flask on the left.

Thermal energy does not flow between the two flasks.

Thermal energy flows equally between the two flasks.

Answer 1

In this scenario, thermal energy will flow from the flask with hot water to the flask with room temperature water. This is because heat energy naturally flows from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached. Thus, the correct statement is:

Thermal energy flows from the flask on the left to the flask on the right.

The conductive metal bar facilitates this heat transfer.